The Big Fellow
Encyclopedia
The Big Fellow is a 1937 biography of the famed Irish
leader, Michael Collins
, by Frank O'Connor
.
The Big Fellow covers the period of Collins's life from the Easter Rising
in 1916 to his death during the Irish Civil War
in 1922. Unlike most conventional biographies of famous leaders, O'Connor establishes a clear goal in portraying Collins's character and human qualities above his major achievements. Through his friendship with Richard Hayes
, O'Connor was able to meet and interview many people who had known Collins; in particular he received invaluable information from Collins' secretary, Joe O'Reilly.
O'Connor, having served with the Anti-Treaty faction during the Irish Civil War, wrote The Big Fellow as a form of reparation over the guilt he felt with regards to taking up arms against his fellow Irishmen
and Collins's untimely death. Liam Neeson
said that he found the book of great assistance when preparing for the role of Collins in the 1996 film directed by Neil Jordan
.
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
leader, Michael Collins
Michael Collins (Irish leader)
Michael "Mick" Collins was an Irish revolutionary leader, Minister for Finance and Teachta Dála for Cork South in the First Dáil of 1919, Director of Intelligence for the IRA, and member of the Irish delegation during the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations. Subsequently, he was both Chairman of the...
, by Frank O'Connor
Frank O'Connor
Frank O’Connor was an Irish author of over 150 works, best known for his short stories and memoirs.-Early life:...
.
The Big Fellow covers the period of Collins's life from the Easter Rising
Easter Rising
The Easter Rising was an insurrection staged in Ireland during Easter Week, 1916. The Rising was mounted by Irish republicans with the aims of ending British rule in Ireland and establishing the Irish Republic at a time when the British Empire was heavily engaged in the First World War...
in 1916 to his death during the Irish Civil War
Irish Civil War
The Irish Civil War was a conflict that accompanied the establishment of the Irish Free State as an entity independent from the United Kingdom within the British Empire....
in 1922. Unlike most conventional biographies of famous leaders, O'Connor establishes a clear goal in portraying Collins's character and human qualities above his major achievements. Through his friendship with Richard Hayes
Richard Hayes
Richard Hayes is a professor of Buddhist philosophy at the University of New Mexico. He received his Ph.D. in religious studies from the University of Toronto in 1982....
, O'Connor was able to meet and interview many people who had known Collins; in particular he received invaluable information from Collins' secretary, Joe O'Reilly.
O'Connor, having served with the Anti-Treaty faction during the Irish Civil War, wrote The Big Fellow as a form of reparation over the guilt he felt with regards to taking up arms against his fellow Irishmen
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
and Collins's untimely death. Liam Neeson
Liam Neeson
Liam John Neeson, OBE is an Irish actor who has been nominated for an Oscar, a BAFTA and three Golden Globe Awards.He has starred in a number of notable roles including Oskar Schindler in Schindler's List, Michael Collins in Michael Collins, Peyton Westlake in Darkman, Jean Valjean in Les...
said that he found the book of great assistance when preparing for the role of Collins in the 1996 film directed by Neil Jordan
Neil Jordan
Neil Patrick Jordan is an Irish filmmaker and novelist. He won an Academy Award for The Crying Game.- Early life :...
.